Name: Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 small carrot, finely chopped; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 3 cups seafood or chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup tomato paste; ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; ½ pound lump crab meat; 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Description

This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a rich and indulgent dish packed with tender shrimp, succulent crab, and a velvety, flavorful broth. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in, this seafood bisque is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home.

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Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small carrot, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
3 cups seafood or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
½ cup tomato paste
½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ pound lump crab meat
2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Base

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
Slowly whisk in the seafood or chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps.

Step 3: Simmer and Blend

Stir in the tomato paste, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Let cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
For a smoother bisque, carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender until silky.

Step 4: Add the Seafood

Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and milk.
Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
Gently fold in the crab meat and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Stir in the white vinegar or lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley and chives.

Step 6: Enjoy

Ladle the bisque into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Notes

Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh or high-quality frozen seafood enhances the flavor.
Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker bisque, let it simmer longer before adding the seafood.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it toward the end to keep it tender.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: French-American